(Photo: WBOC)ST. MICHAELS, Md.- A pony in Talbot County has been given a second chance at life after being rescued by a non-profit organization in St. Michaels called Halo's Haven Rescue.
Michelle Louis, who owns Halo's Haven, said she came across "Bonnie" the pony while looking to buy a horse carriage on a nearby farm last month. She said the pony was in horrible condition and near death. Louis said the pony's hooves were so long she could barely walk, she had no water and was covered in feces and urine.
"I've never seen worse and I never really want to again," Louis said.
Louis contacted the Talbot County Humane Society and the pony was put in Louis's care. Halo's Haven helps rescue and rehabilitate horses. There are currently 14 on the property, as well as other animals.
The last several weeks have been intense for Louis and her team of workers. "Bonnie" has required around the clock care in order to nurse her back to health.
"I didn't expect the horse to live to get here, she looked so bad," said Dawn Ledum, who works at Halo's Haven.
Charging documents list the previous owner of the horse as Lynne Bergeron, of McDaniel. Bergeron is now facing animal cruelty charges. The matter involving "Bonnie" is scheduled to go to court on April 21 in Easton.
Louis said she wants what happened to "Bonnie" to serve as a reminder to everyone how common animal cruelty is and how important it is for someone to report animal mistreatment or neglect if they come across it.
"It's our responsibility. Animals do not have a voice. We really should be their voice," Louis said.
